As someone who‘s shopped the racks of Spencer Gifts since my awkward middle school days, I‘ve always turned to them as my go-to destination for quelling that subversive suburban itch. Between their offensive t-shirts, silly gag gifts, and band merch from groups our parents hated, they formed an oasis that told us "hey, you‘re not alone in feeling a little weird."
But now as a gainfully employed adult with a bit more disposable income, I felt unsatisfied only shopping the same old Spencer‘s haunt. Did the counterculture well run dry? Certainly there had to be other retailers nurturing our alternative interests and bolstering us fellow weirdos!
Turns out I was right – there‘s a whole ecosystem of Spencer‘s-esque online stores ready to welcome us home. So join me on this journey through 15 diverse destinations offering up everything from trippy tapestries to cursed occult jewels that prove, no matter your particular flavor of strange, you‘ll always find your people.
Understanding the Allure of Stores Like Spencer‘s
Before diving headfirst into acidic koi ponds of alt merchandise, let‘s break down why stores like Spencer‘s produce such a magnetic pull among society‘s so-called freaks and geeks:
We Crave Community
Outcasts. Rebels. Strange birds. Call us what you will, but those who gravitate toward the bizarre and unconventional often feel isolated marching to the beat of our own soul drummer. Stores like Spencer‘s not only remind us we‘re not alone, but facilitate a sense of community and kinship with fellow weirdos reveling in counter culture.
Self-Expression Through Stuff
Alternative individuals also cherish having material methods to manifest our identities and interests outward into the world. Whether through band tees, niche accessories, or quirky collectibles, we curate "selves"displaying who we are. Spencer‘s lets our souls clandestinely hide in plain sight.
Retail Therapy Feeds Our Hungry Hearts
Let‘s face it, life can feel oppressive when your mind operates a little left of center. The normalcy police love enforcing their boring reality. Thus, escaping into the vibrant chaos of alt shopping serves as glorious retail therapy, filling our starved spirits with sights and sounds that get us.
With the table now set, let‘s explore 15 oases delivering refuge to thirsty alternative souls! I‘ll also weave in anecdotes from my own decade-plus of alt shopping experiences.
A Guide to 15 Stores Like Spencer‘s
| Store | Founded | Locations | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolls Kill | 2011 | Online Only | $ |
| Killstar | 2006 | Online + Wholesale | $$ |
| Archie McPhee | 1983 | Online + Wholesale | $ |
| Zumiez | 1978 | 600+ Brick & Mortar | $$ |
| RIPNDIP | 2012 | Online Only | $$ |
| EMP | 1986 | Online + Wholesale | $$ |
| Perpetual Kid | 1996 | Online Only | $$ |
| Hot Topic | 1988 | Over 600 Brick & Mortar | $ |
| Box Lunch | 2015 | 100+ Brick & Mortar & Online | $ |
| THINX | 2014 | Online Only | $$$ |
| Journels | 1996 | Online Only | $$ |
| Dylanlex Boutique | 2018 | Online Only | $ |
| Born This Way Body Arts | 2018 | Online Only | $$ |
| Gothicana | 2012 | Online Only | $$ |
| chaotic goods | 2021 | Online Only | $ |
Apologies in advance if this gets lengthy, but I want to spotlight each store and why it earns a coveted spot as a certified Spencer‘s alternative:
Dolls Kill
This leading online fast fashion hub overflows with thousands of bold club wear and street style pieces from budsding designers that are daring, playful, and impressively curated. I especially appreciate the DIY customization options and sitewide sales making their entire alt catalog accessible. Oh, and living sustainably? Their upcycled line slays.
My Dolls Kill Greatest Hits:
- That time I wore their lace rave unitard to a music festival and became a forest nymph legend (no joke!)
- Discovering my dream devil-horned pleather jacket purpose built for Halloween mischiefKillstar
If your dark heart craves all things gothic, haunting, and macabre with a dose of punk rebellion, Killstar manifests a parallel dimension bursting with ominous delights: crushed velvet maxi dresses, bondage boots, enough fishnets to wrap an octopus, and walls of witchy accessories glorifying all things skulls, moons, pentagrams, and horoscope-oriented.
My Killstar Claims to Fame:
- Finding my spirit animal ankle boot during a 50% off sale
- Gifting my younger sister a Wiccan starter kit for her college dormArchie McPhee
Remember that chaotic rainbow emporium scene from Willy Wonka? Transform it into a wackadoo wonderland peddling oddities and absurdities custom built to conjure laughter from the deepest Bellies of Bizarre. Witness hand shadow puppets, ‘unicorn meat‘ candy, yodel pickles, sideways hourglasses, and enough quirky widgets for several lifetimes of questionable decisions.
My Archie McPhee Regrets:
- Accidentally terrifying my great aunt with their giant googly eyes gag gift
- Failing to film my friends playing what can only be described as "extreme twister" on their human sized spinning wheelZumiez
As mall shops offering refuge to 1990s skater kids, Zumiez endures by showcasing the anarchic side of action sports, surf, and emerging streetwear brands through collabs you‘d be hard pressed finding elsewhere. Expect OBEY‘s psychedelic decree tee, Volcom stone acid wash button-downs, and adidas‘ bustling neo-Tokyo windbreaker while discovering wave-riding‘s answer to Spencer‘s.
Zumiez Wins:
- Outfitting my entire summer music festival pack list in one epic haul
- Proving to my high school girlfriend I could still be cool after 30RIPNDIP
This relative newcomer beams youthful energy and whimsy through deviously cute designs embracing all things silly and strange. Beyond their signature purple cat apparel, dive into alien worlds, zombie dimensions, and other POP artscapes manifested on tees and loud sweats in a blaze of neon vibrancy.
RIPNDIP Gold Stars:
- Snagging their sold out exclusive Area 51 storming shirt *right* before that whole viral moment
- Twining with my little cousin thanks to mutual love of their plushies EMP
While Spencer‘s stocks its fair share of band merch, EMP ascends as a heavy metal Valhalla equipped to bolster devotees representing musical misfits of all stripes. Yes, expect ample nods to extreme groups, but also an inclusive Hall of Fame nodding to Pink Floyd, Nirvana, and other icons with apparel, accessories, and collectibles fed directly through Marshall stacks.
EMP Testimonials:
- Successfully rebelling against my prep schooled childhood going full Marilyn Manson in college
- Now in my 30s, bonding with my former Young Republican dad over our shared love of Metallica Perpetual Kid
Round two of unleashing your inner child comes courtesy of this Wonka factory filled floor to ceiling with absurd amusements. Refuse growing up while arming for endless laughter with wacky candy, gum, pranks, puzzles, arts and crafts supplies, games, magic tricks, and other weapons nourishing your youthful spirit and uplifting friends.
Perpetual Kid Greatest Misadventures:
- Getting way too competitive losing epic rounds of "giant beer pong" at a college party
- Almost getting dumped trying my hand at undercover pranks involving their fake parking ticketsHot Topic
No list of Spencer‘s kin is complete without the OG purveyor of alt apparel. While maintaining band/pop culture merchandise authority, Hot Topic smartly leans mainstream welcoming baby bats, mall goths, and pop punk graduates wanting to relive their glory days. Reward decades of loyalty while making new moments.
Timeless Hot Topic Memories:
- Attending my first concert after their $15 Nirvana tee took me back through time
- Now in my 30s, finally pulling off fishnets and not giving an eff!Box Lunch
For those whose quirky side aligns more with beloved movies, games, books and TV rather than Warped Tour, Box Lunch beams as your happy place. Expect fun mashups, positive messaging, and pop culture pastiche…all while giving back!
Box Lunch Joy:
- Literally wearing my heart on my sleeve after discovering their Stranger Things Pride tee
- Gifting my melancholy millennial sister apparel celebrating self care + snacksTHINX
Hear me out! While not immediately seeming like a Spencer‘s analog, THINX revolutionizes dull drugstore period products with absorbent, leak-resistant undies letting menstruators conquer monthly mayhem in comfort and style. Feel femme, powerful, and confident while their mission supports all bodies.
THINX Revelations:
- Surviving music festival bathroom lines without fear or hassle
- Discovering their witty loungewear like my beloved "Be Kind to Womxn" shirtJournals
Another newcomer, Journels further prove the "stores like Spencer‘s" realm alive and thriving. How? By wholly leaning INTO irreverence and chaos! F*** yes to journals featuring purposely terrible life advice, blank notebooks to fuel questionable plots, and vibrant stationery transmitting coded messages your grade school teachers would HATE.
Top Journels Moments:
- Cackling with my book club seeing their "Is This Book Club or Drink Club?" notebook
- Putting my poetry MFA pursuits on hold after discovering their "angsty teenage diary" journal template Dylanlex Boutique
Fans of Dolls Kill‘s daring clubwear will also obsess over emerging designer Dylanlex and their bold world of rave fashion culture including barely-there holographic bodysuits, sexy cyborg sets, and enough futuristic sci-fi looks to make Daft Punk jealous. Expect to stand out as a walking prismatic disco ball.
Hot Dylanlex Fit Pics:
- Going viral at a music festival looking straight out of Blade Runner
- Bonding with my stylist cousin over our shared love of their reflective jumpsuitsBorn This Way Body Arts
If your soul craves shining as ONE OF A KIND, look no further than Born This Way‘s exquisite body jewelry harnessing sparkling opalescent crystal and glowing 14k gold to transform naked flesh into transcendent galactic tapestries. With belly chains, anklets, ear cuffs, septum clickers and more, all eyes will mystically adorn your sacred vessel.
Cosmic Born This Way Energy:
- Getting hit on for the first time after their Moon Goddess necklace chorus amplified my confidence
- Feeling resplendent meeting my boyfriend‘s parents in their Spirit Quartz cluster earringsGothicana
My fellow darkness devotees navigating the foggy path between modern goth and bohemian bliss: let Gothicana enshroud you within moon-kissed cotton maxis and linen asymmetry flowing beautifully through haunted gardens, misty moors, and candlelit lairs layered alongside occult jewelry, handbags, and home decor to complete the bewitching vision.
Top Gothicana Praise:
- FINALLY finding the perfect comfy yet ethereal dress to wear while reading tarot cards to friends
- Hosting a Halloween bash where EVERY item came from their catalog chaotic goods
Lastly, if your soul craves clothing as self expression manifestos chaotic goods delivers sublime salvation. Each design screams activist heartthrob blending causes, irony, and vulgarity across tee shirts and hoodies bound to make conservatives clutch pearls!
chaotic goods magic:
- Rallying cheers wearing their "Riots Not Diets" shirt at a Women‘s March afterparty
- Bonding with my new non-binary date over our shared love of their cheeky LGBTQ pride gearSummary Table of Top Stores Like Spencer‘s
| store | key focus | hero products | price range |
| -------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------|-------------|
| Dolls Kill | alt/clubwear fashion | bodysuits, sets | $ |
| Killstar | gothic/witchy apparel & goods | dresses, shoes | $$ |
| Archie McPhee | quirky gag gifts | toys, candy | $ |
| Zumiez | skate/surf/streetwear fashions | graphic hoodies | $$ |
| RIPNDIP | youthful pop art prints | tees, plushies | $$ |
| EMP | music merch/alt accessories | band shirts | $$ |
| Perpetual Kid | toys/gags invoking nostalgia | games, activities | $$ |
| Hot Topic | classic punk/alt styles | band tees | $ |
| Box Lunch | positive fandom apparel | mashup designs | $ |
| THINX | rebellious period products | absorbent undies | $$$ |
| Journals | irreverent notebooks | comedic journals | $$ |
| Dylanlex Boutique | rave/holographic clubwear | bodysuits | $ |
| Born This Way | divine body jewelry | ankle chains | $$ |
| Gothicana | witchy bohemian apparel & home | maxi dresses | $$ |
| chaotic goods | activist slogan clothes | equality tees | $ |Final Thoughts
And scene! Well my fellow vibrant voyagers, thus concludes our guided tour through 15 alternative merchant Dimensions delivering salvation to our peculiar souls. When the macabre retail therapy so lovingly spoon fed by Spencer Gifts no longer satiates, may you discover kindred spirits across these fantasy domains!
Our tribes await with open arms and open minds, ready to embrace your authentic self then dress you in the regalia of Rock Gods! Just remember while products offer creative transformation introducing your inner freak, true acceptance arises from within. Only YOU can validate your provocative place in this small minded world.
Now then, what oddball online outlet speaks YOUR cryptic language? Which vibey fashions fuel your fire? I hope you discover belonging in these pixelated pages. Just remember should the universe ever force you to justify that sexy studded jacket, simply smile and proclaim…
"I found it at a store like Spencer‘s!" 😉
